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An existing WoodmanÃÛèÖÊÓƵ gas station, located in an outlot at 2915 N. Lexington Drive, in front of the grocery market, will be maintained and continue to operate.

WoodmanÃÛèÖÊÓƵ has envisioned the new site, on three acres that previously held a car dealership that was demolished about a year ago, as a one-stop destination for fuel, car care and snacks.

Commissioner and city council member Larry Squire shared his enthusiasm for the site being redeveloped.

“ItÃÛèÖÊÓƵ great to see some activity on that parcel,â€� Squire said. “ItÃÛèÖÊÓƵ been vacant for a long time and having it be adjacent to the existing store and everything else going on, itÃÛèÖÊÓƵ just great to see it all come together.â€�

The commissionÃÛèÖÊÓƵ approval is final and does not require further action by the city council.

Clint Woodman, the president of WoodmanÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Markets, told the Gazette in January that all of its other market locations include a gas station, lube and convenience store complex similar to whatÃÛèÖÊÓƵ envisioned on Milton Avenue.

Woodman said in January the new location will help improve WoodmanÃÛèÖÊÓƵ offerings to customers.

Makenzee Wilcox, a city planner, said a large gasoline canopy with 20 fueling stations is planned, as well as more landscaping, modern architecture and an upgraded stormwater system.

Wilcox told the commission at MondayÃÛèÖÊÓƵ meeting that the project meets all city zoning and engineering requirements.

She said the requested 80-square-foot monument sign slightly exceeds the cityÃÛèÖÊÓƵ 75-square-foot limit. City staff recommended approving it as a more visually appropriate alternative to a smaller sign.

Access improvements include realigning a frontage road and reconstructing part of Lodge Drive as a public roadway. A traffic study supports these changes to ensure safe and efficient vehicle flow, city staff said.

Lodge Drive, currently a private road owned by WoodmanÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Markets, will be rebuilt to public roadway standards and dedicated as a public right-of-way. The commission reviewed and approved a certified survey map for the improvements on Monday.